Nature

Puglia, on the surface, does not seem to have water. Rainwater, even torrential rainwater, is instantly lost in the depths of the earth and, following secret paths between caves and tunnels, reaches the sea and is lost there. But thousands and thousands of years ago, tumultuous waters descended from the Alta Murgia towards the seas of the time, digging out large depressions as tortuous as their course along their path: the so-called “lame”.

Lame, that is, those depressions in the ground, extending for kilometers, that are found in the peripheral territory of Bari, especially in karst areas. These are the beds of ancient rivers and current evidence of the tumultuous waters that millions of years ago descended from the Alta Murgia to flow into the sea. A sea at that time much larger than the current Adriatic.
From time to time, during torrential rains, the ancient river, responsible in the past for disastrous floods, is recreated in the blade, suddenly acquiring an incredible strength and flow, and ending its course in the sea.

Lamas are generally confused with rivers or streams. There is a big difference between lamas and streams, since lamas collect only rainwater of their drainage basin, while they are completely dry when there is no rain. Moreover, in lamas water mostly flows underground and just a small amount of the rainwater flows on its surface.

As said above, surface runoff is greatest in the extreme and uncommon situations of heavy rain. Lamas usually contain fertile soil, that deposited over the millennia due to the erosion and they are usually cultivated. Since they contain fertile soil, they are distinguishable from the nearby typical area of the Murge plateau, that is almost everywhere stony, arid and hard to grow.

“Gravine” are erosive incisions of the earth’s surface even more than 100 meters deep, dug by rainwater in the limestone rock and by streams that flowing between the fractures of the rock formed by the effect of tectonic movements, have eroded the rock for millennia. The erosion of the calcarenitic rock present in the superficial part has allowed the formation of spectacular and deep ravines, their walls are very inclined and in some cases vertical, reminiscent of the Canyons. In each ravine, thanks to the strong presence of caves and cavities, of both surface and underground watercourses, there are remains and evidence of rock settlements, from prehistory through the Middle Ages, up to the present day, with many towns currently settled, historically also to exploit these “mountains in reverse” as a very efficient natural defense.
The origin of the term gravine is connected to the city of Gravina in Puglia, crossed precisely by a ravine and its stream

Admire the beautiful landscapes in person! Take our unique Puglia tour.

With the arrival of Spring, the olive fields in Puglia are transformed into a spectacle of colors and scents. The lush branches begin to bloom, offering a breathtaking view and an atmosphere of serenity. This phenomenon is not only a visual spectacle, but also a crucial moment for local agriculture. The flowering olive trees are essential for the production of extra virgin olive oil, an activity that represents a significant part of the economy of the region. In addition, the flowering of the olive trees attracts numerous tourists and photographers, eager to capture the beauty of this unique event. Beaches awaken and invite you to days of relaxation and fun by the sea.

In this period, among the most beautiful events in Puglia are Primavera Mediterranea in Bari and Cortili Aperti in Lecce.
The green event of May in Bari transforms via Argiro into a large garden with hundreds of plants, flowers, scents and colors. The event involves nursery gardeners, architects, artists and scholars grappling with a transformation and reinterpretation of urban public spaces in a green key. Gardens and flowers have always inspired the greatest painters in the world and driven their palettes crazy. And it is precisely with the thousand shades of color, those that only nature is able to give us, that nursery gardeners and architects will measure themselves in their extraordinary installations. Ddozens of initiatives that will take place non-stop in the four days dedicated to greenery and that will see children as protagonists, because it is precisely from the most tender age that a true and conscious education must begin.

“Cortili Aperti” opens the doors of the historic buildings of Lecce for a day as part of the XIV edition of the “National Day of the Association of Italian Historic Homes”. The association that brings together more than 4,500 owners of prestigious homes throughout the peninsula, for one day, opens the largest widespread museum in Italy with over 550 monuments including castles, fortresses, villas, parks, gardens that will welcome free of charge all those who want to immerse themselves in timeless places, surrounded by the wonders of the Italian artistic and cultural heritage. The historic Lecce event reveals to tourists and visitors over 30 homes, historic places, courtyards, gardens, hallways, cloisters usually closed along the streets of the city center, which embrace a rich program of events with book presentations, exhibitions, conversations, historical dances in costume, live music, displays, performances, guided tours also in foreign languages.

Spring in Puglia is a magical time, full of unforgettable experiences between nature, traditions and authentic flavors. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience all this firsthand. Come and explore Puglia with us! Check out our tours.

Puglia is the region that produces the most olive oil in Italy: depending on the year of harvest, between 40% and 50% of national production. Besides in this region there are some of the oldest olive trees in Italy. The true king of Apulian olives is in Vernole. This majestic tree has a circumference of 14 meters and is estimated to be over 1400-year-old.

A sacred plant among all Mediterranean civilizations, it has been a symbol of peace since the most remote times. It is documented that since prehistoric times, the ancient Messapians were probably the first to introduce the cultivation of olive trees in Puglia. Starting around 3000 years ago, in different areas of Puglia, they began to graft wild olive trees with the more productive domestic olive tree to obtain olives for the prized oil.

The centuries-old olive tree of Puglia, in addition to being the main source of olives used to produce extra virgin olive oil, also represents a spectacle of nature. Those trees form incredible artistic forests thanks to their trunks looking like scupltures. Each tree contains a unique story and is the expression of an extraordinary nature that has lived and resisted for hundreds of years of history. This is why the olive trees of Puglia have been recognized as a UNESCO heritage site.

They don’t cultivate olive trees only for their precious yellow gold, but also for the use of their leaves, bark and stones. For example, olive stones are an excellent fuel and the leaves of the plant, crushed, release a set of excellent substances for lowering blood pressure. Finally, olive wood is very hard but easy to sand. Therefore it is used to make art objects and sturdy furniture.

For all the reasons above, the olive tree, one of the most precious and important resources for Apulian agriculture, in the coat of arms also becomes a sign of unity of the entire region, from north to south.

Join our food tour and take the opportunity to taste a unique extra virgin olive oil and touring around Puglia, you’ll admire those ancient wooden sculptures designed by Mother Nature.

Puglia and the sea retract a combination that has entered the collective imagination. Now even foreign tourists know the fascinating coast of Puglia between cathedrals and beaches. We are talking about 860 km of coastline with breathtaking views, white beaches, caves and crystal clear sea.

The Apulian coast shows towers, real sentinels along the coast. They built small turrets for the need to fortify the coast, for enemy sighting. Most are in ruins, while others have been renovated, but represent stone sentinels over the sea. The presence of Norman, Swabian and Aragonese castles has the same function to defend the cities.

The famous cathedrals overlooking the sea are splendid. Among the most famous ones you find them in Trani, Giovinazzo and the basilica of San Nicola in Bari. Furthermore, the historic ports, from Vieste to Monopoli, up to Otranto and Gallipoli, are the prelude to ancient villages, where you can breathe in all the fishing culinary tradition.

When you need to choose where to go to the beach in Puglia the first distinction to make, is between the Adriatic coast and the Ionian coast. The first one, in fact, propose above all rocks. Whereas the Ionian coast has long stretches of fine, clear sand. In both cases, however, the sea is always crystal clear. This will mean, then, that during the summer period families with children could prefer the locations overlooking the Ionian Sea to spend quiet days at the seaside. The Adriatic side, however, is perfect for those who prefer a slightly wilder type of coast.

Therefore Puglia is a sunny region between two seas and warm hospitality in places rich in history. Check out our week tour of Puglia for a beautiful itinerary of the fascinating coast of Puglia between cathedrals, beaches and more.